Benedict Cumberbatch says that his Oscar nomination has 'knocked him for six'.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch

Cumberbatch picked up his first Oscar nomination yesterday as he was recognised in the Best Actor category for his central role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

While Cumberbatch was a hot favourite to be in the Best Actor mix, it still did come as a surprise to the British actor.

"I am knocked for six by this. So excited and honoured to receive this recognition. It's wonderful to be included by the Academy in this exceptional year of performances.

"To ring my parents, who are both actors, and tell them that their only son has been nominated for an Oscar is one of the proudest moments of my life."

It was good news all around yesterday when the Oscar nominations were announced as The Imitation Game received eight nods: including Best Picture, Best Director for Morten Tyldum, and Best Supporting Actress for Keira Knightley.

As for Cumberbatch, he will find himself in the Best Actor mix alongside fellow Brit Eddie Redmayne, Michael Keaton, Steve Carell, and Bradley Cooper.

Cumberbatch missed out on the Best Actor, drama Golden Globe at the weekend - Redmayne took home the award for The Theory of Everything - but he has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Bafta.

The Imitation Game marked the first time that Cumberbatch had worked with director Tyldum, as they brought the story of Turing and the cracking of the Enigma Code during World War II to the big screen.

And Cumberbatch will be back on the big screen later this year with Black Mass and he has lent his voice to Magik. The actor is currently working on the new series of Sherlock and will be joining the Marvel family as Doctor Strange.

The Oscar winners will be revealed 22nd February.


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